Olongapo City – Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., parent company of AP Renewable Energy Corporation (APREC), extends its sympathy to the families across Olongapo City communities
affected by the ongoing flooding brought by the southwest monsoon. We recognize the hardship faced by residents who had to evacuate their homes, and our thoughts are with everyone working through this difficult period. As a long-standing partner to this community, APREC has since deployed relief operations across Olongapo, and stands ready to support local recovery and flood-resilience efforts as the city moves forward.
We also want to take this opportunity to share information about the Olongapo Solar Power Project and the steps we have taken as a partner in this community, in responseto questions and concerns we have received.
We understand that Olongapo City being part of the Kalaklan River Basin makes it naturally prone to flooding due to its location in a low-lying coastal plain. The Olongapo Solar Power Plant built in measures designed to protect against and not add to this vulnerability such as the non-invasive site design that follows the land contour of its site, preservation of natural ground vegetation, and internal drainage and detention and slope protection and stabilization systems to manage rainwater and prevent landslides. Additionally, findings of an independent third-party study confirmed that the solar power plant does not worsen flooding in the downstream communities.
Our development and operations strictly comply with all Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) standards. Beyond this, we have provided over 400,000 seedlings to DENR Olongapo and continue to conduct annual tree planting activities. To date, we have planted over 2,000,000 trees across the country.
The company also followed the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process as required by the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997. We secured genuine consent
from the lawfully identified groups and communities without threats, coercion, or deception. The thorough FPIC process culminated in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and a Community Royalty Development Plan (CRDP) that guarantees long-term financial, institutional, and social benefits for the affected Indigenous Peoples.
Aboitiz Renewables upholds a stringent and responsible approach for all the renewable energy projects we develop. We ensure full compliance with industry standards and actively engage our stakeholders to create mutually beneficial partnerships, especiallyin the communities we operate in. Construction of any project does not commence without all required permits and approvals such as the Resolution of No Objection (RONO) from all affected local government units, Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), permits to use public lands, and all necessary dialogues and consultations.
Aboitiz Renewables does not just operate in communities; we invest in them. Beyond the immediate impact of our operations, we aim to drive tangible local progress through focused initiatives in livelihood, education, healthcare, and economic development.
Aboitiz Renewables takes a holistic approach to project development—one that considers clean energy generation, environmental stewardship, respect for cultural heritage, and the welfare of host communities. This approach has helped build mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous Peoples in many of our host communities, and it continues to guide our engagement in Olongapo.
Aboitiz Renewables will continue to engage communities with transparency, respect, and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.